The Georgia State Panthers return to Center Parc Stadium on October 23, 2025, looking to reestablish pride and direction in a season that has spiraled into frustration. Head coach Dell McGee’s first full campaign in Atlanta has been marked by growing pains on both sides of the ball, as the Panthers have struggled to maintain consistency and identity through six games. At 1–5 overall and winless in conference play, Georgia State has faced difficulties in both scoring and preventing points, ranking near the bottom nationally in both categories. Quarterback Christian Veilleux, who transferred in to stabilize the offense, has shown flashes of promise with his poise and arm strength but has been plagued by erratic protection and limited run support. The offensive line has given up frequent pressures, forcing the Panthers to rely on quick reads and checkdowns rather than the vertical attack McGee envisioned. Running back Marcus Carroll, one of the Sun Belt’s more dependable backs in past seasons, has struggled to find lanes behind a retooled front, putting additional pressure on Veilleux and the passing game. Wideout Robert Lewis remains the go-to target, offering speed and separation skills that can challenge South Alabama’s secondary, but he’ll need help from the supporting cast—particularly the slot receivers and tight ends—to diversify the offense and avoid predictability.

Defensively, coordinator Kevin Sherrer’s 4-2-5 scheme has been unable to find its footing, allowing over 40 points per game while struggling with tackling fundamentals and gap discipline. The secondary has been exploited repeatedly by big plays, and if Georgia State can’t generate a pass rush, South Alabama’s Bishop Davenport could find time to pick them apart. However, playing at home presents an opportunity for the Panthers to reset; crowd energy and comfort within their own environment could help the defense fly around more aggressively and reestablish a physical presence at the line of scrimmage. The key will be stopping the run early to force South Alabama into third-and-long situations, where Georgia State’s pass defense can deploy disguised coverages and blitz packages. Special teams, a bright spot for the Panthers, could also play a deciding role—kicker Liam Rickman has been steady, and return man C.J. Hawkins provides explosive potential to flip field position. Emotionally, this game carries weight: Georgia State hasn’t won at home since early September and needs a complete performance to restore belief in McGee’s system. If the Panthers can play disciplined football, avoid turnovers, and lean on a faster tempo to keep South Alabama’s defense off balance, they have the tools to stay competitive deep into the fourth quarter. More than anything, Georgia State must rediscover its toughness and execution in critical moments, particularly on third downs and in red-zone possessions. A win here wouldn’t just snap a losing streak—it would serve as a statement that the Panthers are capable of turning the corner under a new regime and that their rebuild is trending in the right direction.